China describes talks with US in Bangkok as "candid, substantive"
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Beijing: China announced on Saturday that discussions between top diplomat Wang Yi and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Bangkok were "candid, substantive, and fruitful," addressing various issues, including Taiwan.
Over recent years, Beijing and Washington have grappled with contentious topics such as technology, trade, human rights, and disputes over Taiwan's status and claims in the South China Sea.
The talks aimed at improving strained relations follow the meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November, characterised by both sides as a qualified success.
The statement from China's foreign ministry website highlighted that Wang and Sullivan engaged in "candid, substantive, and fruitful strategic communication on implementing the consensus reached at the San Francisco meeting... and on properly handling important and sensitive issues in China-US relations."
Among the subjects discussed during the two-day talks was Taiwan, which recently held elections. Chinese officials criticised President-elect Lai Ching-te, branding him a dangerous separatist leading Taiwan toward the "evil path" of independence.
In contrast, Washington congratulated Lai, eliciting a strong expression of disapproval from Beijing, reported AFP.
Wang emphasised during the talks that Taiwan is an "internal affair of China," and the regional election cannot alter the fundamental reality that Taiwan is an integral part of China.
The statement underscored that the primary risk to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the "so-called 'Taiwan independence' movement," and it represents the most significant challenge to China-US relations.